Charleston County parks

For some Charleston County Park and Recreation Commission activities, a chaperon is required for participants 15 and younger.

Registration is required for all programs and some special events. Call 795-4386 or visit www.ccprc.com to register.

May special events

Waterparks: Charleston County waterparks are open weekends. Splash Zone at James Island County Park. Splash Island at Mount Pleasant Palmetto Islands County Park. Whirlin' Waters Adventure Waterpark at North Charleston Wannamaker County Park. Visit splashparks.com or call 795-4FUN (4386) for waterpark hours and rates.

Salsa Under the Stars: The Folly Beach Fishing Pier brings Latin music to Folly Beach again this summer with Salsa Under the Stars on May 9. DJ Luigi of Latin Groove will spice up the night with the best salsa, merengue, bachata and reggaeton. 7-11 p.m. (Gates open at 7 p.m.). Tickets purchased in advance are $8 for Charleston County residents and $10 for noncounty residents. Tickets purchased at the gate (if available) are $10. Only 600 tickets will be sold. Food and beverages available for purchase at Locklear's Beach City Grill and the Gangplank Gift and Tackle Shop. Advance tickets can be purchased at Charleston County parks headquarters building or online at www.ccprc.com. Rain date is May 10. No refunds or exchanges. Call 795-4FUN (4386).

Moonlight Mixer: Join the shaggers at the Folly Beach Fishing Pier on May 30 for this beach tradition. Headlining will be DJ Rob Duren. Enjoy beach foods and cold beverages available for purchase on-site at Locklear's Beach City Grill and the pier gift shop. 7-11 p.m. (Gates open at 7 p.m.). Tickets purchased in advance are $8 for Charleston County residents and $10 for noncounty residents. Tickets purchased at the gate (if available) are $10. Advance tickets can be purchased at Charleston County parks headquarters building or online at www.ccprc.com. Rain date is May 31. No refunds or exchanges. Call 795-4FUN (4386).

May programs

Sea Kayak Quickstart instruction: Learn about kayaking during two-hour, hands-on informal program. Experienced guides will show how to enjoy the local waterways and wildlife from a sea kayak. Preregistration required. James Island County Park. Ages 16 and up. $12/$10 CCR discount. 5:30-7:30 p.m. May 9.

Summer Pier Kickoff fishing Tournament: Join the group at the Folly Beach Fishing Pier for some fun, competitive fishing. Compete for category prizes. Tournament registration begins at 6 a.m. on-site only, no preregistration permitted. Competitive fishing goes until 4 p.m., and prizes are awarded at 4:15 p.m. Call the Folly Pier at 588-FISH (3474). Ages 3 and up. $12/$9 CCR discount/$7 ages 3-12 CCR and NCR $14/$12 CCR discount (King Mackerel). 6 a.m.-4 p.m. May 10.

ACA Sea Kayak Basics instruction: Learn basic strokes and rescues. Equipment design, fit and use for sea kayaking will be covered. Certified ACA instructors will provide beginning kayakers with the necessary skills to paddle Charleston's protected waters. Preregistration required. James Island County Park. Ages 16 and up. $54/$45 CCR discount. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. May 10.

Indigo, History of the Dye: During the mid-1700s indigo was an important crop for South Carolina with worldwide ramifications. Investigate the history of indigo and how enslaved people cultivated and processed the plant. Bring a T-shirt to dye. Preregistration required. A registered and paid chaperon is required for participants ages 15 and under. Caw Caw Interpretive Center. Ages 9 and up. $15/$12 CCR discount. 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. May 10.

Introduction to Belaying: Three-hour class on fundamentals of belaying. Includes knots, harnesses, belaying and climbing. Participants will be prepared to take a belay test on their next visit to the wall. Preregistration required. James Island County Park. Ages 14 and up. $24/$20 CCR discount. 1-4 p.m. May 10.